Vacancy One: EPSRC-funded Postdoc
Research Associate

Study of evolutionary algorithms for dynamic optimisation
problems

Background

A Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available to work on an EPSRC-funded project on "Evolutionary Algorithms for Dynamic Optimisation Problems: Design, Analysis and Applications," which is a collaborative project between Universities of Leicester and Birmingham, BT and Honda Research Institute Europe. The research at Leicester will focus on design and evaluation of evolutionary algorithms (EAs) and other meta-heuristic search algorithms on dynamic optimisation problems in general and dynamic telecommunications network optimisation problems in particular, e.g., dynamic call routing and frequency assignment problems.

The Candidate

The successful candidate is expected to have a PhD in computer science, evolutionary optimisation, or closely relevant areas. S/he must have excellent research achievements evidenced by publications in leading journals and conferences. New PhDs will be considered, whose achievement or potential may be assessed by their PhD theses. Strong mathematical background and excellent computational skills are essential. Also essential are communication (both oral and written) skills, people skills, ability to work independently as well as a team member, and ability to take initiatives and be proactive. The successful candidate will be rewarded with an outstanding research environment that will support his/her research career.

The Postdoc Research Associate Position

Duration: 34 Months in the first instance, possibly extended to three years.
Preferred starting date: 1st October 2007.
Salary (Grade 7): £28,289 to £32,796 per annum.
Closing date: The post has been filled.

How to Apply

Informal enquiries may be made to Dr Shengxiang Yang, email: s.yang@mcs.le.ac.uk
Downloadable application forms and further particulars are available from
http://www.le.ac.uk/personnel/
or in hardcopy from Personnel Services, Tel: 0116 252 5110, Fax: 0116 252 5140,
email: recruitment3@le.ac.uk.

Vacancy Two: Fully-funded PhD
Studentship / Scholarship

Background

A key aspect of this project is to apply and adapt developed evolutionary algorithms (EAs)
for general dynamic optimisation problems (DOPs) to solve core dynamic telecommunications
problems, e.g., dynamic call routing problems and frequency assignment problems, in the
real world. We will closely collaborate with researchers from British Telecommunications
(BT) to extract domain-specific knowledge and model dynamic telecommunication problems
using proper mathematical and graph representations. The obtained domain knowledge will
be integrated into our EAs for increased efficiency and effectiveness.

The Candidate

In this project, the successful applicant will study and characterise dynamic
telecommunications optimisations, e.g., dynamic call routing problems. In doing so,
the applicant will draw upon and extend advanced evolutionary computation and
meta-heuristic methodologies. This research will complement ongoing research in the
group on designing and evaluating evolutionary algorithms for general dynamic
optimisation problems.
The successful applicant must have at least a 2.1 or above degree in computer
science or a closely related field. We do consider outstanding applicants from
mathematics, physics and engineering as long as they have sufficient computer
science background. A good knowledge of optimisation is required, especially a
good understanding and practical experience with modern meta-heuristics, including
evolutionary algorithms, estimation of distribution algorithms, simulated annealing
and others. The successful applicant must have excellent programming skills and
knowledge of telecommunications network. S/he must be an excellent team player
who can work independently and communicate well with others.

The Studentship / Scholarship

Duration: Up to three years (subject to satisfactory progress).
Preferred starting date: 1 October 2007.
Payments: Living expenses: GBP12,300 per year tax-free; plus Home/EU PhD tuition fee paid.
Deadline: The post has been filled.

How to Apply

For more information on the PhD programme at Leicester:
http://www.cs.le.ac.uk/admissions/MPhil-PhD.
Please apply according to the instructions given in the above website, NOT to the
person below. For technical enquiries only: Dr. Shengxiang Yang,
email: s.yang@mcs.le.ac.uk